REGIONAL CATEGORY SPECIALIST - SCHL

Asahi Europe & International is a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. Asahi Europe & International is a subsidiary of Asahi Group Holdings Ltd, a global beverage and food company listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. Employing > 12,000 people, Asahi Europe & International is the custodian for leading super premium lager brands Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch, Asahi Super Dry, plus international Czech lager brands, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel. The business has world-class brewing and production facilities in 8 markets – UK, NL, ITL, PL, CZ, SK, HU, RO. In most of these markets, we are the leading brewer with full portfolio of famous brands. Commercial operations in other parts of Europe, USA, Canada, LatAm, Africa and Asia are served through our global distribution network. Asahi Europe & International Marketing organisation consists of both local country-based marketers with accountability for local brands as well as central marketers leading the highlighted 5 global brands. In addition, a central leadership team drives functional excellence in Innovation, Capability, Strategy and Insights.

Regional Category Specialist - Supply Chain & Logistics

Company overview

Asahi Europe & International is part of Asahi Group Holdings, a global beer, spirits, soft drinks and food group with leading positions in European and Asia-Pacific markets, listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, Japan. As of November 2020, Asahi Europe & International Group runs 19 production facilities in 8 countries across Europe, and is the custodian of some of the best beer brands in the world, including Asahi Super Dry, Pilsner Urquell, Peroni Nastro Azzurro, Grolsch and Kozel. Within the Asahi Group, the remit of Asahi Europe and International is also to develop and manage all export markets globally, outside of Japan and Oceania. Covering 90 markets and with over 10,000 passionate colleagues on board, the business is well positioned to inspire people around the world to drink better.

Functional overview

The purpose of Asahi Procurement is to safeguard the existing value and to unlock new sources of sustainable value for Asahi, our customers, and the planet. This is done through partnering with Asahi business stakeholders and a high-performing supplier network.

Procurement capabilities are designed to improve product and service quality, mitigate risks, drive total cost of ownership and infuse top-line growth for Asahi local businesses.

Asahi Procurement aspires to be the partner of choice for internal clients as well as for external suppliers; trusted for being an inspirational business advocate; connecting people and driving sustainable procurement value; while aiming to achieve operational and transactional excellence to ensure business continuity.

No matter in which of the Asahi regions are our people based, there is a one-direction approach used to maximize value delivery in a consistent way.

Cost and Net Working Capital efficiency is equally important as proactive risk management is. The aspiration for continuity, sustainability, and circular economy is reflected in everything we do. Moreover, Procurement employees are not only experts in their categories but also ambassadors for corporate social responsibility. Following the Asahi Group philosophy, Procurement thinks globally and acts locally.

Main purpose of the job

Support and execute category strategies and sourcing plans within the Supply Chain, Logistics, and Manufacturing categories, with the objective to maximize value for the business, achieve budget objectives, and actively manage suppliers, stakeholders, and risks.

Act as an expert for these categories, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of relevant supply chain (road and intermodal transportation) and manufacturing (spare parts, maintenance services) markets, logistics trends, and operational requirements.

Advocate and foster sustainable procurement (including CSR) and procurement innovation strategies and projects, with a focus on supply chain resilience, logistics optimization, and manufacturing excellence.

Support continuous improvement of procurement capabilities and practices in alignment with overall company strategy and external benchmarks, ensuring the reliable and cost-effective flow of goods and services across the manufacturing and logistics network.

Accountabilities and deliverables 

• Act according to the Procurement purpose, vision, strategies and governance
• Promote a ‘one team’ spirit to enable sharing of best practices and knowledge
• Ensure adherence to defined governance, policies, and processes
• Protect all company assets by putting in place internal control system and procedures
• Protect the reputation of Asahi by following applicable legislation
• Advocate and foster sustainable Procurement (incl. CSR) and procurement innovation strategies and projects
• Support the creation and implement category strategies
• Support the execution strategic sourcing plans to maximize the value for the business
• Support the management and tracking of respective category plans and budgets including objectives, key value drivers and related KPI’s
• Support risk management for respective categories focusing on extended agenda: price volatility, supplier stability, and product or service availability
• For respective categories support development and maintenance of strong partnership with suppliers including performance and quality assurance
• For respective categories support building and enhancement of strong stakeholder relationship across all Procurement activities
• Contribute to Procurement operational excellence
• Support continuous improvement of Procurement capabilities and practices in alignment with the overall Asahi strategy and external benchmarks

Qualification criteria

• University degree, preferably in Business related field (Master degree preferred) 
• Able to communicate in English
• 5+ years of professional experience, 2+ years of which in Procurement
• International experience from a multinational company
• In the case of AEI position - above market role experience - accountability for delivering outcomes to/in different countries
• Advanced MS office skills
• Procurement platform/-s experience

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.  We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.